Patron Tequila
With Patron Tequila sponsoring our last Hospo Night at The Family Hotel we thought we would chat to the guys at Bacardi to find out a little more about this “ultra-premium tequila”.
Loy talks to us about how the culture of Tequila has changed over the years, the secret to a perfect Margarita, and what gives Patron Tequila that ultra-premium status.
What differentiates Patron from other Tequilas in the market?
Patrón was founded to create the world’s finest, ultra-premium Tequila. Employing traditional techniques and modern technology. Patron is one of the very few Tequila’s to use traditional small brick ovens to cooked their agave and the old traditional method of crushing agave by using a heavy volcanic stone, tahona wheel and a stone mill. The stone used to sculpt Patrón tahona wheels is excavated from a rock quarry located in the Tapalpa region of Jalisco, where rock has been mined for generations to carve this iconic piece of Tequila history.
Under the guidance of Master Distiller Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón has continued to create a small batch, artisanal tequila focusing on traditional method, superior quality ingredients and handmade process. Patron essentially invented the Tequila’s Super Premium -and-above category.
Patron offers an extensive range of Tequilas and liqueurs. Which one is the most popular among your customers?
Patron xo has gained popularity in Australia due to the rise of the espresso martini, but Patron Silver is the most popular. I believe that this is the purest expression to really taste the flavour of the highland agave. Because it is more versatile, superior quality and 100% Blue Agave, customers can sip it or mix it with their favourite Tequila cocktail such as the Classic Margarita and Paloma. It is also perfect with tonic water (Patronic) as an alternative to a gin and tonic serve.
Has the culture of Tequila changed much in Australia over the years? If so, in what way?
Tequila’s reputation has changed over the years for the better, from a spirit known only for cheap shots and frozen Margaritas, to a more premium offering that you can sip and enjoy. These quality Tequila’s are now being used in more complex and creative drinks as bartenders gain more understanding on how premium Tequilas are produced. Most people are now aware about the difference between a 100% agave tequila versus a mixto, thanks to bartenders educating customers and premium Tequila brands such as Patron.
What is the best way, in your opinion, to drink Patron tequila?
Patron is perfect straight for sipping and absolutely delicious in a margarita and great when mixed with tonic water and limes.
What’s the key to a perfect Margarita?
The key to making a perfect margarita is to keep it simple. Great quality Tequila, Patron Silver would be my recommendation, and always use sea salt flakes to salt rim your glass (never table salt). The secret is all in the balance of the sweet and sour component, and always use fresh lime juice.
Get down to The Family Hotel’s Hospo Night (July 1st) for your chance to WIN Patron, get FREE tastings and enjoy cheap cocktails.